Make TTY calls via your computer and the Internet

March 5, 2007

Nextalk, a little-known computer program, allows you to make TTY calls from your computer, using the Internet instead of the phone line. Free, gratis, zilch, zip, nada. Very nice, especially considering that calls via a TTY can take so much longer than a typical voice call — and long distance charges can really rack up. Now you can call your hearing mom, and when she says, “Oh how nice, but we’d better hang up, I don’t want your phone bill to be expensive,” you can just say something syrupy like, “Oh Mom, don’t worry, the call’s free — but you’re always worth it anyway.”

You can even get your own 1-888 phone number which people can call to reach you — it’d ring on your computer if the Nextalk software is running. If the caller is hearing, the person’d be connected automatically to a relay agent. If deaf, the TTY call will go through immediately. If fax, a copy will be made and then sent to you.

The same Nextalk software also allows you to make video relay calls if you have a good webcam connected to the computer.

If this program is a good ‘fit’ for you, then download the Nextalk program and sign up for your free account.

[…] smartphones, although that number of friends were steadily declining (and besides, we could use Nextalk to do TTY calls from our computer). And family members and hearing friends? Emails, text messaging, […]

and not only do they issue you a free phone number (local area code) but they (depending on area) work with your local 911 service (it works like a VOIP 911) call, and you can also place calls through the sprint relay system by adding SprintIP to your AIM Buddy list, and then im’ing them the number you wish to call (just dont forget your ga’s and sk’s because even tho it looks like an IM to you, it still looks like a regular relay call to the opr).

I’m glad you have had good experience with Nextalk. I have NOT. When it works, its GREAT! When it doesn’t…well, you can guess. I would love to have it work consistently. If you can make suggestions to help with that, I would be very grateful.

It’s been a (long!) while since I used it, but I believe everything is done via the Internet and not over a phone line. No sound card or modem needed, either. Must be connected to the Internet, though.